He returned to Limerick again in 2010 for a BBC documentary on his early life in Ireland.

One of his last public appearances in the city was in May 2012, when he was guest of honour at the mayor’s ball in the Strand Hotel.

At the time, Wogan accepted the invitation on condition there was no red carpet rolled out in his honour.

He also politely declined a Garda escort from Shannon Airport, joking: “There’s no need for a police escort, I think I’m safe enough in Limerick!”

Books of condolences

Limerick City and County Council has confirmed that members of the public will be able to express their condolences from 10am on Monday, when separate books of condolences will be be opened at the local authority buildings in Dooradoyle and Merchants Quay.

“Despite his fame and the fact that he was based in the UK throughout much of his career, Sir Terry often returned home to Limerick and never missed an opportunity on radio or TV to speak about his Limerick roots.

“The council honoured him with the title of freeman of Limerick in 2007, which I know was a title that meant very much to him and his family.

Wogan’s former secondary school, Crescent College comprehensive, also paid tribute to the broadcaster as “a tremendous ambassador for Ireland and his home city of Limerick.”